Two days ago I saw The Avett Brothers perform down at Virginia Tech -- it was my second time having the privilege to see these guys put on a monstrous performance. Non-stop kick ass country/rock/folk music for nearly two hours. It was my second time in the last year catching their show, but the first time I got to hear Head Full of Doubt / Road Full of Promise...I feel obligated to share it here with you...that is only if you enjoy really fantastic music.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Penn State University: A Public Relations Perspective
It has been nearly two weeks since the allegations levied against Penn State University first came flooding through televisions, Twitters, and smart phones across America. Two weeks of nauseating sexual abuse allegations, cover ups, student riots, firings, and just when it seems we’ve heard it all something new seems to pop its ugly head in a media firestorm. For two weeks we’ve been bombarded with the Penn State scandal and it is times like these in which Public Relations may just be more necessary than ever
Unfortunately it is commonly misunderstood that Public Relations is a profession which people, companies and organizations use when they need to cover up their wrong doings and mistakes. Essentially to a great many people Public Relations is code for “clean up my mess!” That is not what Public Relations is or should be.
With the luxury of hindsight it is simple to say that Penn State should have contacted local law enforcement, should have fired Coach Sandusky and banned him for life, should have, could have, would have – none of these happened and now a once prestigious university (it goes way beyond football) will have to suffer for years before their name can begin to shine brightly once again. While they may never re-achieve their once legendary status as one of America’s premier universities – with the help of Public Relations, Penn State University can climb back toward the top.
1) Take care of the next generation of abused children by reallocating a portion of the 88 million dollars raised by the football team every season. It is one thing to donate money to a charity in Penn State's name -- it's another to help educate the next generation of caretakers. Revamp the Psychology and Medical departments to put a focus on Children's psychology and Counselors for abused children. An influx of students coming to Penn State to study children's psychology would show the world, that Penn State is not only interested in helping out Sandusky's victims -- but all child victims. An influx in students and finances will help reboost the university.
2) A new coaching era must begin in Penn State. Interim head coach Tom Bradley and his entire staff must go. A serious, responsible, accountable new head coach, with a new staff a must be found. Bradley has not been accused of any charges – but the man served under Joe Paterno for thirty years – guilty or not, his association with the legendary head coach is too much for the university to burden. Let’s not forget that there is still a Paterno on staff – son of Joe Pa, Jay is the quarterbacks coach. It is not the time, nor will it be any time soon, to have the ‘Paterno’ name in limelight.
3) Graciously accept the sanctions handed down by the NCAA. It is yet to be seen when the NCAA will convene and what they will do – but if the University of Southern California is not bowl eligible for 5 years because of the Reggie Bush scandal, and Ohio State faced heavy punishments for some free shoes and tattoos – we will most likely see an unprecedented probation in University Park, Pennsylvania. Use those years to rebuild your University’s reputation, create an abused children foundation, reach out to the community, and not just focus on reestablishing the football program.
4) Rewrite the mission statement. The current Penn State mission statement is four elongated sentences totaling 157 words in length. This needs to be changed to read, “to protect and help our students grow intellectually and become positive contributing members to society” OR “To protect, educate, and assist the youth and future of America, today” OR “To ensure the highest levels of education, protection, and opportunities to succeed in and beyond the classroom.”
A new mission statement must mention it is their GOAL to protect our youth. Regardless of the wording, it is pivotal that Penn State shows us all they understand where they failed, and what is truly important; providing an environment that ensures safety and all educational opportunities to succeed.
-------
Journalist Robert Brault once said, “One of life's regrets is that you didn't always tell the truth, and now it's too late, because the truth has changed.” Penn State University had their chance in 1998, and again in 2002 to confront this uncomfortable truth but they failed miserably and now they must pay the price that comes with their unfortunate lack of judgment. Remember that telling the truth, confronting an uncomfortable reality, and doing what is right – will always be better than covering up a lie – no matter the severity.
With the luxury of hindsight it is simple to say that Penn State should have contacted local law enforcement, should have fired Coach Sandusky and banned him for life, should have, could have, would have – none of these happened and now a once prestigious university (it goes way beyond football) will have to suffer for years before their name can begin to shine brightly once again. While they may never re-achieve their once legendary status as one of America’s premier universities – with the help of Public Relations, Penn State University can climb back toward the top. Let us not forget that in 2006 three Lacrossee players at Duke University were falsely accused of raping an African American stripper. The university, faced with a rape and hate crime scandal was rightfully scared for their public image and reprecussions that may come. However the University jumped the gun, forcing head coach Mike Pressler to resign, ousting the three players, and disbanded the rest of the Duke Lacrossee season, depsite nothing more than accusations. Duke University faced Black Panther Protests, vandalism, threatening letters and hate mail, and more during a year long media bombardment. The three players were later found innocent, but the reputation and credibility of the University took a major hit. Although the years since have seen Duke restore itself back to national fame and reputation, it would not have been without possible with an administration admitting wrongdoing and apologizing, NCAA Championships in Mens basketball, and a refocused commitment to focus on student and faculty accomplishments. Duke has been able to restore their brand, and although three Lacrossee players wrongfully accused of rape is leaps and bounds less than a full blown univeristy sex scandal -- Penn State will be able to restore their brand one day.
Four steps toward recovery for Penn State University…
1) Take care of the next generation of abused children by reallocating a portion of the 88 million dollars raised by the football team every season. It is one thing to donate money to a charity in Penn State's name -- it's another to help educate the next generation of caretakers. Revamp the Psychology and Medical departments to put a focus on Children's psychology and Counselors for abused children. An influx of students coming to Penn State to study children's psychology would show the world, that Penn State is not only interested in helping out Sandusky's victims -- but all child victims. An influx in students and finances will help reboost the university.
2) A new coaching era must begin in Penn State. Interim head coach Tom Bradley and his entire staff must go. A serious, responsible, accountable new head coach, with a new staff a must be found. Bradley has not been accused of any charges – but the man served under Joe Paterno for thirty years – guilty or not, his association with the legendary head coach is too much for the university to burden. Let’s not forget that there is still a Paterno on staff – son of Joe Pa, Jay is the quarterbacks coach. It is not the time, nor will it be any time soon, to have the ‘Paterno’ name in limelight.
 |
| Jerry Sandusky. Photo courtesy of SI |
4) Rewrite the mission statement. The current Penn State mission statement is four elongated sentences totaling 157 words in length. This needs to be changed to read, “to protect and help our students grow intellectually and become positive contributing members to society” OR “To protect, educate, and assist the youth and future of America, today” OR “To ensure the highest levels of education, protection, and opportunities to succeed in and beyond the classroom.”
A new mission statement must mention it is their GOAL to protect our youth. Regardless of the wording, it is pivotal that Penn State shows us all they understand where they failed, and what is truly important; providing an environment that ensures safety and all educational opportunities to succeed.
-------
Journalist Robert Brault once said, “One of life's regrets is that you didn't always tell the truth, and now it's too late, because the truth has changed.” Penn State University had their chance in 1998, and again in 2002 to confront this uncomfortable truth but they failed miserably and now they must pay the price that comes with their unfortunate lack of judgment. Remember that telling the truth, confronting an uncomfortable reality, and doing what is right – will always be better than covering up a lie – no matter the severity.
Friday, November 4, 2011
I Don't Care How You Take Your Coffee
The life and times of a recent college graduate as he makes the leap into the world of Public Relations. Written by Sean Alan Youngberg
As I walked off the stage at James Madison University with a diploma in my hand, I knew it was official. My glory days were over. I went from being a big fish in a small pond – to a tiny fish, in an enormous ocean swimming with great opportunity and daunting competition.
No longer could I stroll across campus and have people shout “Hey Sean!” or “My man, how you doing?” As I prepared to step out into ‘the real world’ I was afraid those familiar calls would soon become “Hey new kid!” and “Buddy, where’s my coffee?” That’s why when searching for a job; I made it my top priority to find a place to work, which was mutually beneficial to the company and me. I needed an opportunity where my participation and hard work were not just for a paycheck – but also to become successful, to grow intellectually, and to have that company grow in return. Megale Public Relations was that place.
To read the rest of this article check out Megale PR the coolest PR firm this world may ever see.
As I walked off the stage at James Madison University with a diploma in my hand, I knew it was official. My glory days were over. I went from being a big fish in a small pond – to a tiny fish, in an enormous ocean swimming with great opportunity and daunting competition.
No longer could I stroll across campus and have people shout “Hey Sean!” or “My man, how you doing?” As I prepared to step out into ‘the real world’ I was afraid those familiar calls would soon become “Hey new kid!” and “Buddy, where’s my coffee?” That’s why when searching for a job; I made it my top priority to find a place to work, which was mutually beneficial to the company and me. I needed an opportunity where my participation and hard work were not just for a paycheck – but also to become successful, to grow intellectually, and to have that company grow in return. Megale Public Relations was that place.
To read the rest of this article check out Megale PR the coolest PR firm this world may ever see.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)